REVIEW OF Hudson College BY Alum, Heidi Tran

(4.5) Overall Experience

During my time at Hudson College, what stands out most is the school's faculty and their support in helping my academic and personal growth. Being a person working in the creative field, Hudson was the place where I was able to nurture my love for the arts through engaging class discussions and the freedom to explore, to raise my opinions, and most importantly, make mistakes. If I were to change one thing, I would love to see more help with post-secondary planning, maybe more guest speakers from different fields or workshops about real-world paths. That said, the academic preparation and diversity of the community were most important to me, which provided valuable skills to prepare me for my university life. For anyone thinking about enrolling, expect a school that values both academics and personal growth. You’ll be challenged, supported and encouraged to be curious and self-driven.

(4) School Leadership

The administration and leadership at Hudson particularly excelled in terms of visibility and accessibility. They made an active effort to be involved in the students' daily school life, especially through building personal and thoughtful relationships with each student. This presence made it more approachable and friendly to students, which many of us appreciated. They usually took student concerns seriously and responded timely manner when issues arose. In terms of discipline, the administration seemed consistent and fair. Their decisions were generally explained clearly, and the emphasis was on resolving problems constructively rather than just punishing behaviour.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at Hudson College was one of the most impactful aspects of my time there. The teaching staff is both knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. The dynamic between students and teachers is approachable, yet still grounded in mutual respect and discipline. In particular, I had the chance to experiment with visual and media arts classes, which provided me with the creative freedom and encouragement that ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a creative career. They challenged me to think beyond the basics and explore my own voice as an artist, something that still influences me today. Looking back, I can say that Hudson College helped me develop not just academically, but also as a curious, motivated learner. The environment created a genuine love for learning, and for that, I’m very grateful.

(4) Academics

The academic program was well-structured and balanced across all the foundation subjects. Even though students are expected to achieve academic excellence and to take their studies seriously, there was no pressure on our costs of well-being or individuality. The school was good at pushing students to do their best while still making room for different learning styles and interests. The academic culture was generally positive and collaborative. While there were certainly high-achieving students, the overall atmosphere wasn’t competitive. Instead, most students were supportive of each other’s growth. It was common to see my classmates helping each other with assignments or giving feedback on projects, especially in the upper grades. The teachers also played a role in this dynamic: They made it clear that they expected effort and focus, but they also provided a lot of support.

(4) Extracurriculars

Hudson College offered a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities that added real depth to the overall student experience. Whether you were looking to explore a hobby, take on leadership roles, or just try something new for fun, there was usually a club or activity that fit the description. I also appreciated the school’s involvement in charity events and community service initiatives. They were well thought-out and genuinely encouraged us to engage with the world outside the school, giving us a stronger sense of empathy and social responsibility.

(4) Students

While the school itself isn’t massive, the size felt just right: large enough to meet a wide range of people, but small enough that you could recognize most faces in the halls. That balance really helped me to feel like I belong, especially as an international student. Hudson attracted individuals from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and that mix contributed to a more open-minded and accepting culture. I rarely saw students left out based on where they came from, how they looked, or what they believed in. Instead, students were usually kind and respectful of differences. The “typical” Hudson student was hard to define, and I think that’s a good thing. Students who were genuinely passionate, kind, or driven tended to earn the admiration of their peers.

(4) School Life

Looking back, I can genuinely say that I enjoyed my time at Hudson College. While no school experience is ever perfect, the overall quality of student life was very positive. The school environment felt structured but not rigid, with enough flexibility for students to pursue their interests, form friendships, and develop at their own pace. Teachers and staff were also usually open to listening and supporting students when things got overwhelming, which helped ease the pressure. There was also a good variety of extracurriculars and events that brought energy to the school year, like spirit days, performances, clubs, bake sales and charity drives. Most students I knew were generally happy at Hudson and received notable support from the staff. Teachers and staff were usually open to listening and supporting students when things got overwhelming, whether it was academic or personal issues.

(4) Community

There was a strong sense of connection not only among students and teachers, but also between the school and families. Parents were actively encouraged to be involved, whether through parent-teacher events, school performances, volunteer opportunities, or community initiatives. That openness helped build trust between home and school. The school did a good job of fostering a supportive and tight-knit atmosphere where students, staff, and families felt like they were working together. You could see this in how events were run, in how students were encouraged to give back to the community through service or leadership roles. If anything, there’s room for the school to further strengthen its alumni network, perhaps through events, mentorship programs, or creative showcases that highlight former students. I’d love to see more opportunities to stay involved or give back to the current student body in a meaningful way.

(4) School Location

The school is located in a neighbourhood that’s both accessible and student-friendly. It’s close to a number of restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores. Being near bus stops and streetcar lines also made commuting simple. The area around the school felt safe and welcoming, and students often ventured off-campus during lunch breaks or after class. Having that level of access and independence gave us room to make choices, manage our time, and enjoy a bit of freedom within a safe environment.

(4.5) Admissions

If you’re thinking about applying to Hudson College, my biggest piece of advice is: be yourself (which is quite literally the school slogan). The admission process was clear and straightforward. You are usually required to write a short cover letter and attend an interview. If you can communicate why you want to be a part of Hudson, you’ll already be off to a strong start. Hudson values curiosity, creativity, and kindness, so just showing up with an open mind and a willingness to grow can go a long way.

(4) University placement and counselling

The university counselling program at Hudson College was helpful, especially when it came to the logistics of the application process. The counsellor was approachable and ready to answer questions, whether about program options, scholarship applications, or general advice. I do think there was room for more structured and personalized guidance earlier in the process. While support was available, it often relied on students taking the initiative to ask for it. It worked well for students who already had a clear sense of future directions, but for people still trying to figure things out, I hope to see more one-on-one planning in the future. Overall, I did feel supported enough to apply confidently to my first-choice programs, and I did get accepted. But expanding the counselling program to include career exploration workshops, earlier planning sessions, and more tailored advice could make the transition even smoother for future students.